Get Packin'

Category: ‘In Recognition Of’

Can we ever truly thank our veterans enough for their service to our country? Many have sacrificed their lives so we can continue to enjoy the freedom we Americans have come to know, and unfortunately often forget how fortunate we are.

Let us not just celebrate November 11th as a day to honor America’s veterans, active or deceased, but let’s aspire to acknowledge them on a daily basis. A kind word or an unexpected thank you will go a long way in showing a veteran that you appreciate their service, past or present.

I am always reminded on those occasions when we are honoring our veterans of the beautiful poem that LTC John McCrae, Canadian (1872-1918) wrote, and once again wish to share it with you.

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.